What is the Difference Between Expendable and Returnable Packaging?

Choosing the right packaging for your business is about balancing cost, sustainability, and logistics. Two common industrial crating options are expendable and returnable. Both offer distinct advantages depending on your shipping needs.

We will explore the key differences between expendable and returnable crating and learn their benefits and considerations to help you determine which option best fits your business.

What is Expendable Packaging?

Expendable packaging is designed for one-time use and is ideal for businesses with sporadic, one-off shipments.

Expendable crates offer several benefits to manufacturers, including cost-effectiveness and simplified logistics. Its lower upfront cost is ideal for businesses with inconsistent shipping needs. Expendable crates are not returned, which simplifies the shipping process.

Expendable crating also has factors to consider because improper disposal can impact the environment. Wood and corrugated, widely used in expendable packaging, are renewable resources but are not always recycled due to low incentives.

However, when crafted from steel or metal, expendable crating can be an eco-friendly packaging alternative. Its high scrap value often ensures it is recycled, making it a sustainable option for environmentally conscious users.

What is Returnable Packaging?

Returnable packaging is designed for continued use and is ideal for businesses that have consistent shipments.

Returnable crates offer several benefits to manufacturers, including cost savings over time and an enhanced brand image. The initial cost of this high-quality crate is offset by its reusability for multiple shipments. Reusable crating is constructed from steel, allowing for easy recycling or scrapping after its life cycle. Finally, a premium, eco-friendly packaging solution will enhance your brand image, displaying your company's commitment to sustainable practices.

Returnable or reusable crating also has a consideration. Companies that use or choose to implement a closed-loop supply chain or return logistics program gain the most benefit from returnable packaging.

When Should Your Business Use Expendable Packaging?

If you experience the following scenarios, expendable crating may be right for your business:

• One-off or infrequent shipments of a unique product
• Cost-efficient shipping for low-cost, high-volume products
• Long-distance or international shipments where return logistics are impractical

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When Should Your Business Use Returnable Packaging?

If you experience the following scenarios, returnable crating may be right for your business:

• Regular, frequent shipments
• Shipping high-value or fragile product that requires robust protection
• Businesses with established return logistics or closed-loop supply chain

UFP Packaging Manufactures Sustainable Expendable and Returnable Packaging

While returnable crating is viewed as the best choice for sustainability, expendable crating can also be eco-friendly.

Traditional expendable crating, typically made from wood and corrugated materials, often ends up in landfills instead of being recycled or reused due to low incentives to recycle. However, when expendable crating is made from steel or metal, it can be scrapped and more easily recycled at the end of its use, offering a greener life cycle.

The key difference between returnable and expendable steel crating lies in their construction. Returnable steel crates are constructed with heavier-duty materials and coated for corrosion protection to ensure durability over multiple uses. In contrast, expendable steel crates are designed for single use and do not require extra attention for long-term durability.

UFP Packaging provides both custom expendable and returnable steel crating options, making more sustainable packaging accessible for both short- and long-term shipping needs. To learn more, visit our metal fabrication page here.

Four Considerations for Choosing Between Expendable and Returnable Packaging

Choosing the right crating is about aligning your packaging strategy with your overall needs and goals. We will dive into four considerations to help you make an informed choice below:

1. Cost: Consider your shipping frequency and volume. Expendable crates are cost-effective for irregular shipping needs. Alternatively, returnable crates have a higher initial investment but can lead to significant cost savings if used regularly.
2. Environmental Impact: If sustainable packaging is a priority for your business, returnable crates are an outstanding choice. Returnable crates support eco-friendly practices by reducing packaging material waste and being recyclable at end-of-life. However, expendable crates made from steel also have a lower carbon footprint as they are also recyclable or sold as scrap at the end of use.
3. Product Value: The type of product you are shipping plays a role in choosing between expendable and returnable crates. Expendable crates are ideal for shipping high-volume, low-cost items. However, for high-value or fragile products, the durability and reusability of returnable crates make them a smarter investment.
4. Logistics: If you have a closed-loop supply chain or a way to manage return logistics, returnable crating is a wise choice. If not, expendable crates may be more practical, especially for long-distance or international shipments. However, if return logistics are feasible, returnable crates can provide long-term cost and sustainability benefits.

By weighing these four factors, you can make an educated decision that balances cost, sustainability, and practicality -- ensuring your crating solution perfectly aligns with your business needs.

Learn more about UFP Packaging's metal fabrication packaging options here.